Terminal Device Dynamic Subcarrier Spacing Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication systems, such as those based on E-UTRA and LTE-Advanced, face inefficiencies in supporting multiple subcarrier spacings, which can impact communication performance and compatibility in heterogeneous networks.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a communication method and apparatus that allows for the use of multiple subcarrier spacings in terminal and base station apparatuses, enabling efficient communication by aggregating different frequency bands through carrier aggregation and managing subcarrier spacings dynamically in both the frequency and time domains.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single subcarrier spacing is used in the communication system, then the system structure is simple and compatible with existing E-UTRA/LTE standards, but the communication efficiency and adaptability in heterogeneous networks are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to heterogeneous networksVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic subcarrier spacing configuration where the subcarrier spacing can be changed according to different service requirements and network conditions. The base station can dynamically adjust the subcarrier spacing for different uplink channels (PUCCH, PUSCH, PRACH) based on the specific communication scenario, enabling the system to adapt to heterogeneous networks while maintaining manageable complexity through controlled dynamic adjustment rather than complete flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the subcarrier spacing parameter from a fixed value to a configurable parameter with multiple possible values. By allowing the subcarrier spacing to take different values (e.g., 15 kHz, 30 kHz, 60 kHz) depending on the service type and network conditions, the system achieves better adaptability to heterogeneous networks while the parameter itself remains a controllable communication parameter rather than a structural change

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If multiple subcarrier spacings are supported, then communication efficiency and data transmission rates are improved, but the complexity of managing frequency and time resources increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidresource management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the uplink channels into different types (PUCCH, PUSCH, PRACH) and applies different subcarrier spacing configurations to each type based on their specific requirements. This segmentation allows the system to support multiple subcarrier spacings for improved data transmission rates while managing complexity by having predetermined configurations for each channel type rather than requiring complex real-time decisions for every resource allocation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes predetermined subcarrier spacing configurations for different uplink channels before actual communication occurs. The base station configures the appropriate subcarrier spacing for each channel type in advance based on the service requirements, eliminating the need for complex real-time resource management decisions and reducing the operational complexity while still enabling high data transmission rates when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If flexible subcarrier spacing configuration is implemented, then communication efficiency in heterogeneous networks is enhanced, but compatibility with existing E-UTRA standards may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidcompatibility with existing standards
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different subcarrier spacing configurations to different uplink channels (PUCCH, PUSCH, PRACH) based on their specific local requirements rather than changing the overall system configuration. This local quality approach allows flexible subcarrier spacing configuration for specific channels to enhance communication efficiency in heterogeneous networks while maintaining compatibility with existing E-UTRA standards for the overall system architecture and other channels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3413528B1Terminal device and communication method
Publication Date: 2023.12.06 SHARP KK
  • EP3413528B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3413528B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3413528B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To provide a terminal apparatus and a communication method that enable a communication apparatus (terminal apparatus and/or base station apparatus) supporting multiple subcarrier spacings to perform efficient communication. A terminal apparatus transmits or receives a signal, configures a subcarrier spacing to be used for transmission or reception of the signal. In a case that the signal includes data of the SRB, the subcarrier spacing to be used for transmission or reception of the signal is a first subcarrier spacing, and in a case that the signal includes data of the DRB, the subcarrier spacing to be used for transmission or reception of the signal is a second subcarrier spacing.